Qld’s battling farmers urged to complete disaster impact survey

Queensland farmers who have suffered damage during the state’s recent wild weather events have been urged to complete a disaster impact survey to help speed up assistance.

Queensland farmers who have suffered damage during the state’s recent wild weather events have been urged to complete a disaster impact survey to help speed up assistance.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said primary producers had suffered a multitude of losses as a result of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily and other severe weather, with machinery, livestock, crops and infrastructure across significant parts of the state all affected.

Now farmers have been encouraged to complete the Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey, which Mr Furner said would help to speed up the assessment process, and encouraged those who had the ability to do so safely, to complete it.

Flooding around the Macalister River flowing out of Lake Glenmaggie. A farmer drives through their flood water. Picture: Jason Edwards

“The impact of these weather events cannot be underestimated and I urge our farmers first and foremost to take care of their safety, avoid driving through floodwaters and keep themselves and their families safe. If it’s flooded, forget it,” he said.

“Unfortunately, Queensland farmers know natural disasters all too well, but that means they also know the risks.

“Our farmers need to know we are doing everything in our power to rapidly assess the damage they have suffered so we can put the appropriate assistance in place as soon as possible.”

Mr Furner said under disaster recovery funding arrangements with the federal government, state governments were responsible for assessment of disaster impacts.